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# Chloe Fineman leaves ‘SNL’
- URL: https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-chloe-fineman/
- Published: 2026-07-16T22:44:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-20T13:21:38.000Z
- Description: After seven seasons, one of the show’s best impressionists announced her departure.
- Author: Bill Kuchman
- Tags: The Cold Open • News, The Cold Open, SNL, Chloe Fineman

We have our first *SNL* departure of the offseason. **Chloe Fineman** announced today that, after seven seasons on the show, she’s stepping away.

“It’s cliche to say this but working at *SNL* has been the greatest privilege of my life,” [Fineman posted on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3Sg5HEQk6/?ref=theomnicosm.com). “I still can’t really believe I got to be a part of it. I fell in love with the place the second I walked through the door. \[**Lorne Michaels**\] (if you’re reading this on your burner account) I want you to know that I am forever in your debt.” 

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Fineman has been on *SNL* since Season 45 began in 2019\. While she became a major part of the show thanks to her strength as an impressionist, Fineman seemed checked out during Season 51\. I was surprised that Michaels kept Fineman and [dismissed **Heidi Gardner**](https://www.theomnicosm.com/wait-snl-chose-to-not-renew-heidi-gardners-contract/) instead before the season began. This was a moment when Fineman could’ve really taken over as *SNL*’s main female cast member, but [she was quickly passed by **Ashley Padilla**](https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-ashley-padilla-top-sketches/).

“It’s really hard to leave *SNL* but it does feel like the right time,” Fineman added. “I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away.”

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The Cold Open is a publication of **The Omnicosm**.

Issue No. 79

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**The Cold Open** is written and produced by **Bill Kuchman**.  
Copyediting by **Tim Kuchman**.

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